The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands has started reserving spaces for NATO ships with military cargo and planning routes for the transfer of weapons as part of preparations for a potential war with Russia, writes Financial Times.
These measures have become part of active preparations for a potential war across Europe. The EU is developing a large-scale rearmament program worth up to 800 billion euros. This is being done to strengthen its own defense capabilities, reduce dependence on the US, and deter possible Russian aggression.
Although the Port of Rotterdam has previously handled weapons, especially during the Gulf War in 2003, even at the height of the Cold War it did not have a separate berth for handling military cargo.
According to the port's chief, Boudewijn Siemons, Rotterdam is coordinating actions with the port in neighboring Belgian Antwerp. Both ports are ready to temporarily share capacity if a massive transfer of military equipment and supplies is required, including from the UK, US, and Canada.
Photo: Reuters